Media release
More people started trade apprenticeships over the 12 months to June 2026, with commencements increasing by 9.2% from a year earlier, as reported in new data released today by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER).
'This increase has taken trade apprenticeship commencements back to around the levels recorded in 2023,' said NCVER Managing Director John King.
'Much of the recent growth is in construction and electrotechnology trades, including more people starting apprenticeships as Electricians, Carpenters and Joiners, and Plumbers.'
Over the same period, fewer people started non-trade apprenticeships and traineeships, with commencements down 8.3%. Declines were recorded for Child Carers, General Clerks and Sales Assistants.
More trade apprentices completed their training and became qualified over the 12 months to June 2026, with trade completions increasing by 5.4% to their highest level since 2014. The current rise in completions follows the higher commencement levels recorded in earlier years.
There were 279,800 apprentice and trainee contracts in training at 30 June 2026, 8.8% fewer than a year earlier. In-training contracts were down 5.3% in trade occupations and 18.1% in non-trade occupations.
Background: Apprentices and trainees 2026: June quarter provides a national picture of apprenticeship and traineeship activity, including commencements, completions and contracts in-training by occupation, industry and jurisdiction. The data is sourced from the National Apprentice and Trainee Collection and include activity to 30 June 2026.
Download the report: Apprentices and trainees 2026: June quarter
Enquiries: Elise Stone P: +61 8 8230 8443 E: communications@ncver.edu.au
About NCVER: NCVER is Australia’s custodian of vocational education and training (VET) data. We deliver trusted data and insights that help the VET system work better for people, businesses and communities.
This work has been produced by NCVER on behalf of the Australian Government and state and territory governments, with funding provided through the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.